Mangrove forests are experiencing a global resurgence. Louisiana may benefit from their ability to reduce coastal erosion, absorb carbon dioxide, and enhance vital coastal ecosystems.
As debate continues over a recent study suggesting New Orleans may face an unavoidable future because of rising sea levels, Steve Cochran, Ned Randolph, Katy Reckdahl and Gus Bennett take a deeper look at the challenges and choices ahead. In Part 2, the conversation explores climate adaptation, coastal land loss, public policy, culture, and resilience, asking whether one of America's most distinctive cities can continue to adapt and endure in the face of a changing environment.
A measured response to the latest study suggesting New Orleanians should abandon the city due to the imminent threat of sea level rise. Public policy advocate Steve Cochran, journalist and author Ned Randolph, photojournalist Gus Bennett and Lens editor Katy Reckdahl discuss the story from The Guardian which has the town talking. Part 1 this week.
"Understand how the term relocation hits when you use it for those of us who have made lives here," writes 11th-generation New Orleanian Christopher Ard. "Maybe try 'abandon' or 'give up on.'"
Lawyers for the oil giant argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that the matter belongs in federal court. But the heavily Republican state responded that a $744.6 million jury award in state court should stand.
Louisiana Dept. of Conservation and Energy issues another permit after state judge ruled the original shouldn’t have been granted.
Three years after a federally funded move, Indigenous residents of Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles report broken homes — and promises.
"Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is missing the greatest opportunity in the state's Coastal Zone, namely combining storm and flood protection with the expansion of renewable, fauna- and flora-based, Coastal Zone industries."
The state's LA SAFE planning process is looking at ways to help communities adapt as the land around them sinks and the Gulf of Mexico rises.
After a yearlong planning process, state officials are working on a report that will recommend ways for six coastal parishes to deal with rising water and sinking land. The report could shape coastal communities for decades to come. Some of the ideas are controversial, such as limits on residential construction and higher taxes in areas of extreme flooding.
